The title of this blog comes from one of my favorite hymns."It is Well With My Soul"
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

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Monday, October 21, 2013

Apple Picking

Conditions were not ideal, but husband and I decided to take a drive towards the Blue Ridge Mountains this past weekend to go apple picking. I was a bit apprehensive about going, it had been raining for days and I wasn't sure about making the trip, but husband was, so off we went.

We arrived in the early afternoon and drove up the hill to the orchard, we were going to pick apples that day but it was still drizzling, and worse, the mud was terrible, so we decided to wait until morning. (it had been raining the last several days nonstop)

View from top of the mountain

The next morning was better, still drizzly but there was some promise of sunshine. The apples were plentiful so it took hardly anytime to pick what we needed. The hardest part was navigating the muddy fields, I saw more than one person with a muddy backside. We had decided to buy a couple pair of

"Wellies" the night before and was very glad we did, the red clay would have ruined any shoes we would have worn, and now I have something to wear in my own muddy backyard.

We came home with five bags of apples, some to share, some to eat and some to cook with. I have learned that apples can be stored for several months if kept cool. (30-35 degrees) Small apples store better and they must be perfect, no blemishes or bruises. Certain apples store better than others, we picked Stayman's, Granny Smith's and Fuji's, those apples can be stored for up to 4-5 months, although I doubt they will be around that long. I was concerned about all the downed apples, seemed like such a waste but was told those apples are used to make cider.

After we picked our apples we splurged on some hot apple cider and hot cider donuts...who needs breakfast?

They also made provision for folks to donate apples that they picked and purchased

This area is also known for it's vineyards.

It was a quick trip for us, up one day back the next but I think it will be worth another trip soon. Maybe next time we will see Monticello.

9 comments:

O, I love going to pick apples...we haven't gone out to the local orchard yet...too busy with the moving...but maybe we can go this week sometime.

Thanks so much for coming by with your encouraging words...and for following...I appreciate it so much.And, believe me, for several days around here after the blog crash, I seriously doubted I'd ever blog again....but...I just love it too much to let this problem stop me from something I enjoy so much.People encouraging me along, like you, help so much.xo

I love this kind of thing. We have often picked apples at our neighbors ranch; although not this year. I love to go to the farms and pick; it is very rewarding. Your apples look beautiful. Thanks for stopping by on my blog. Love having you visit. Thanks for the sweet encouraging words. You blog is lovely, I look forward to reading. Many Blessings,Pam

Oh, you are better sport than I'd likely be for sure. I just cannot stand mud! But,give me some sunshine and that looks like a very fun outing for sure. And, it's right there in my old stomping grounds. I lived very near the Blueridge Parkway when Hubby and I married. Beautiful!

Hi Maryann! I don't know what I like better...apple picking or winery hopping. This area looks so wonderful. My husband and I have done the same things in Michigan. Good think you bought those fab boots!

I think the idea of getting some mud boots were just the best idea ever! As when I think of a pair of ruined shoes is silly when mud calls for mud gear :)I love to pick apples, we picked so many last year we canned and put a lot up till the cows came home. So we did not pick any this Fall. But a sweet friend did give us a big bag of fresh ones to just eat!Be Blessed!Roxy

We haven't been in a couple of years to be pick apples...love doing that! Glad you enjoyed it! One of those apple cinnamon donuts sounds good right now, haha, but doubt I could eat just one! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Fun times! Yes, even the mud. You will have wonderful memories of that outing my friend. :) I enjoyed seeing the photo of you in amongst the branches...lovely. I don't think apples would last 4 to 5 months in our home, either. It's incredible how long they can be stored for, isn't it? Hugs to you! Camille

About Me

I am a follower of Christ, a wife, married 40 years to my best friend, a mom to two grown sons, and a grandmother to four grandchildren. This blog has been a way of recording God's many blessings and how he continues to sustain me and refine me through the stuff of life. My prayer is that it will be an encouragement to those who visit